What I’m Going to, and What You Should, Miss About Chicago

Two days from now I am leaving my hometown, and for once I have no idea when I will be back. No Thanksgiving or Christmas pulling me home this time. While I couldn’t be happier to be heading back East, leaving is a strange feeling. I didn’t always like Chicago, but my eyes have really opened up to it these past couple years.

While I do not actually live directly in the city, I thought I would share what I am going to miss most about Chicago and what parts of the city are really worth seeing. The best part is that you could see or go to most of these in just one day!

1. Navy Pier

The first time I went to Navy Pier was to see a play in middle school. Last time I went was this summer with my two best friends. All the times in between are a blur, except the awkward magic that is prom. Navy pier has so many activities to offer, but the long, historical ferris wheel ride is my favorite. I have yet to play mini-golf there, but I have heard that it is pretty fun too!

2. Anywhere with Deep Dish

Luckily for all of us deep dish can also be found in the surrounding Chicago suburbs AND be shipped anywhere in the America, so there are always opportunities for deep pizza. Giordano’s in my go-to, but Gino’s East is another Chicago classic. East coast pizza is amazing, but deep dish has a special place in my heart and stomach.

3. The Architecture

I learned to really appreciate Chicago architecture when my basic photography class went around the city taking photos. From the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park to the random banks near Union Station, I find the building’s and their histories beautiful. Walking from place to place in the summer is the best way to see it all.

4. The Willis (*Sears*) Tower

Probably the most touristy place on this list, but the wait in line is worth it. The view reaching from the horizon of the lake to the surrounding suburbs is stunning, even on the cloudiest of Chicago days. I don’t mind heights, so I find sitting on the ledge is the best part!

5. The Lincoln Park Area

Full of one-of-a-kind shops and the Urban Outfitters surplus store, the neighborhoods near Lincoln park makes me think that I could have maybe survived going to school in Chicago. It is a quiet alternative to the magnificent mile with its suburban townhouses and zoo animals–both in the zoo and on campus.

Honorary mentions to Lollapalooza, the people of Chicago, and the suburbs, all of which have their good and bad moments.

Distance is definitely going to make my heart grow fonder, but i’m not going to miss Chicago winter that will, of course, be over soon after I leave.